Thursday, April 30, 2009

Pittsburghs Grand Hall at The Priory Wins Best of The Knot . . . Again

The Knot, the highly respected wedding planning publication and website, has designated Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at The Priory as a "Best of the Knot" property. This designation is earned through the positive comments generated by readers of the The Knot's website and magazine. We are very proud and pleased to have been so recognized.

Friday, April 24, 2009

The Pittsburgh Wine Festival, featuring wines from around the world, give attendees an opportunity to sample many exotic vintages that they might not otherwise have access to. The festival takes place in the East and West Club Lounges at nearby Heinz Field. The VIP tasting ticket is $250, while the general admission tasting is $125 per person. See http://www.pittsburghwinefestival.com/ for more information. The Priory does have availability, and we are continuing our April special rates, so call us now for more information or book on line. 866 3PRIORY.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

New Grand Hall Website is Unveiled. Click here to check out our new website for the Grand Hall. The site has been completely revamped, with an eye toward making it easier to use, with improved images, better and more timely information, and greater interactivity. We have added pages discussing upcoming public events at the Grand Hall, a detailed history of the hall, open dates and specials. We continue to tweak the site, but we very much like what our webmaster, Rob Robinette of R2 Creative, has designed. See for yourself, and check in periodically to watch our progress.

Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Communion Breakfast at The Grand Hall.

Our Grand Hall was host to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 32 Communion Breakfast on Sunday, April 19. It was our fifth consecutive year hosting the event. The AOH is a fraternal organization founded in New York the 1830's for Catholic men of Irish birth or descent, for the purpose of defending Catholic populations against Nativist mobs. The organization still promotes Irish culture and heritage in the United States, as well as doing many charitable works. The Communion Breakfast serves as an annual awards event, with the awarding of the Hibernian of the Year honor and the Hibernian Service Award.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Join us for a series of special wine tasting events in The Priory Hotel’s historic courtyard, beginning this May! Each month features a different theme with a different wine host – a local or national wine expert. Wine will be paired with light hors d’oeuvres created by the Priory’s Executive Chefs Michael Henney and Peter Phillipy.

The tastings will occur the third Thursday of each month, starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at approximately 8:00 p.m., with four wines to taste. Our first tasting is set for Thursday, May 21, 2009. Ticket price for all tastings will be $45.00 per person.

Book all five tastings, now, though and receive your fifth tasting free!

Tickets: Available at the Priory Hotel Front Desk (614 Pressley Street, Deutschtown, North Side), by calling (412) 321-9394, or by e-mailing us at gene@thepriory.com. Tickets must be purchased in advance; we will not be able to accommodate sales at the door.

Future Dates: June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17. Future hosts and wine themes will be announced shortly. All tastings will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will end at approximately 8:00 p.m. The events will take place rain or shine.

About Me

I have been involved full time with the Priory Hospitality Group since 2002. Currently, I serve as President and CEO, overseeing our various interests, including the Priory Hotel, Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at the Priory, Priory Fine Pastries, Priory Hotel Consulting, LLC (our consulting arm), Priory Hotel Management, LLC (our hotel management company arm) and our real estate development operations, which includes a building housing a new Rita's Italian Ice in the neighborhood.
I have been married for nearly 28 years to Suzanne Graf, who is also an owner of the Priory Hospitality Group. We have four children - Laura (21), Will (20), Max (20) and Charlie (13), and live in the Borough of Ben Avon, about 6 miles to the West of The Priory.